Now that Chevy has announced it will halt production of its Spark subcompact vehicle at the end of this model year, you might be considering another super economy car that provides the antidote to sticker shock. The tiny, no-frills Spark, notable for being the least expensive vehicle in the US, was and is a bargain hunter’s dream. We even included it in our list of cars best-suited for home workers.
While the Spark might be nearly extinguished, we’re happy to note that the subcompact flame burns brighter than ever. Read on to learn about some micro-priced and micro-sized vehicles that will reignite your car-buying passions. And one that might surprise you.
No one shopping for a subcompact expects sporty performance, but the Versa surprises with a fun, comfortable ride. In this class, inches matter, and the Versa has just enough extra cabin and trunk space to edge out competitors. Available safety features (SV model and above) compete with cars 2X to 4X the price and the Versa tops our list overall for tech and styling usually reserved for other classes.
Kia Rio – From $16,250
While many car makers are fleeing the tiny car market (Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, anyone?) Kia is happy to fill in with at least 3 sub-$20K models. The Rio is the most affordable of the group and gets lauded for its fuel-efficiency, drive characteristics, and reliability, but it is noticeably stripped down in terms of features and interior styling.
Mini Cooper – From $22,900
The Mini Cooper sits atop the price range in the subcompact realm, but it gets included here for buyers who might have more budget flexibility but just happen to love small cars. What do you get for your money? Superior handling, engine performance, and interior styling to start. And if you happen to love the classic anglophile exterior, this could be the subcompact that wrings a few more thousand out of your savings account.
Wait a minute. You thought we said this list was only for super-affordable subcompacts, but the Bolt EV is priced double its Spark cousin! That’s true, but as we have pointed out, buyers should consider the hidden value of the Bolt and other EVs before dismissing them as an option. You will save more out the door with any of the other options listed here, but the longer-term savings of the Bolt are substantial.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the Bolt EV will save you $7,000 in fuel costs after just 5 years of ownership compared to the average new vehicle. Factor in federal and sate tax credits in the thousands of dollars and lifetime cost of ownership that could keep thousands more in your wallet, and the argument for the Bolt should ground any sticker shock you might have at first glance.
Besides all that, the Bolt, because of and not in spite of its electric engine, is zippier than nearly any economy subcompact you can find. If you were already in the market for the Spark, talk to your Chevy dealer about test driving the Bolt. You’re sure to get a charge out of this mighty, electric alternative.
Want to learn more? Test drive the Bolt at a dealer near you.